Crane mat

ABSTRACT

A method of forming a crane mat includes providing a plurality of boards. Each board of the plurality of boards may be positioned adjacent to another board of the plurality of boards along at least one longitudinal edge. The method includes inserting a plurality of tie bolts through the plurality of boards to secure the plurality of boards together to form the crane mat, and providing two or more lifting plates. Each lifting plate may include a coupling portion configured to couple to a lifting tool during movement of the crane mat. The lifting plates may be configurable into a recessed orientation and a non-recessed orientation, where the coupling portion of each lifting plate may be recessed within the crane mat in the recessed orientation, and may be exposed when in the non-recessed orientation

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to crane mats, and more particularly to crane mats including recessed lifting plates.

BACKGROUND

Crane mats have been in use for many decades for various industrial applications and purposes. These mats are typically formed of wooden boards arranged side by side and secured together using tie bolts. Referring to FIG. 5, a block diagram illustrating a commonly used structure for a crane mat is shown as a crane mat 500. As shown in FIG. 5, the crane mat 500 includes a plurality of boards 520 secured together using tie bolts 530. Additionally, the crane mat 500 includes lifting portions 540. As shown in FIG. 5, the lifting portions 540 are formed by offsetting some of the plurality of boards, such that the offset boards leave openings along the end of the crane mat 500 and expose a portion of the some of the plurality of tie bolts 530. A crane may then be configured with a lifting harness including hooks that may be secured to the exposed portions of the tie bolts, and used to lift/move the crane mat 500.

The crane mat configuration illustrated in FIG. 5 suffers from several disadvantages. For example, the open spaces used to form the lifting portions 540 pose risk of injury, such as if a person walking across the crane mat gets a foot caught in the opening or trips on the opening. Additionally, because the plurality of boards 520 are typically wooden boards, a top surface of the crane mat 500 may be relatively smooth and may become very slippery during wet conditions. Further, because crane mats, such as the crane mat 500, are formed from wooden boards, the crane mats have a short lifespan (e.g., six months to one year) due to rot and other wear and tear that occurs during normal use and storage of the crane mats.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of crane mats that provide improved traction, safety, and durability. Crane mats formed or produced according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more recessed lifting plates configured to be oriented into a recessed orientation (e.g., when the crane mat is in use or storage), and to be oriented into a non-recessed orientation (e.g,. when the crane mat is being moved or positioned). When in the recessed orientation, the lifting plates may be housed entirely within the crane mat such that the top surface of the plate does not protrude above the top surface of the crane mat. When in the non-recessed orientation, at least a portion of the lifting plates may protrude from the top surface of the crane mat. The portion protruding from the crane mat may include a coupling portion configured to couple the lifting plate(s) to a lifting tool, such as hooks on a lifting harness, lifting cables, etc., to provide for lifting, movement and placement of the crane mat. Additionally, crane mats according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include traction patterns on a top surface, a bottom surface, or both, where the traction pattern provides improved traction for vehicles, equipment, and persons coming in contact with the crane mat.

In an embodiment, a crane mat is disclosed and includes a plurality of boards. Each board of the plurality of boards may be positioned adjacent to another board of the plurality of boards along at least one longitudinal edge. The crane mat may include a plurality of tie bolts inserted through the plurality of boards to secure the plurality of boards together. The crane mat may include two or more lifting plates. Each lifting plate may including a coupling portion configured to couple to a lifting tool to facilitate movement and placement of the crane mat. The lifting plates may be configurable into a recessed orientation and a non-recessed orientation, where the coupling portion of each lifting plate may be recessed within the crane mat in the recessed orientation, and may be exposed when in the non-recessed orientation.

In another embodiment, a method of forming a crane mat is disclosed and includes providing a plurality of boards. Each board of the plurality of boards may be positioned adjacent to another board of the plurality of boards along at least one longitudinal edge. The method includes inserting a plurality of tie bolts through the plurality of boards to secure the plurality of boards together to form the crane mat, and providing two or more lifting plates. Each lifting plate may include a coupling portion configured to couple to a lifting tool during movement of the crane mat. The lifting plates may be configurable into a recessed orientation and a non-recessed orientation, where the coupling portion of each lifting plate may be recessed within the crane mat in the recessed orientation, and may be exposed when in the non-recessed orientation

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of embodiments described herein, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following written description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a top view of a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a lateral view of a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a plan view of a lifting plate for a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a plan view in a recessed orientation of a lifting plate for a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C is a plan view in a non-recessed orientation of a lifting plate for a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2D is a profile view of a lifting plate for a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2E is a profile view in a recessed orientation of a lifting plate for a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2F is a profile view in a non-recessed orientation of a lifting plate for a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for forming a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a presently available crane mat according to the prior art.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrated diagrammatically and in partial views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatuses or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate various aspects of a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in FIG. 1A, a top view 110 of a crane mat is shown, in FIG. 1B, a lateral view 150 of a crane mat is shown, and in FIG. 1C, a cross-section view 160 of a crane mat is shown. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the crane mat includes a plurality of boards 120, a plurality of tie bolts 130, and lifting plates 140. In an embodiment, the plurality of boards 120 may include synthetic boards. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the plurality of boards 120 may include wood boards. In yet another additional or alternative embodiment, the plurality of boards 120 may include both synthetic and wood boards. Each board of the plurality of boards 120 is positioned adjacent to another board of the plurality of boards 120 along at least one longitudinal edge. The plurality of tie bolts 130 may be inserted through the plurality of boards 120 to secure the plurality of boards together, as shown in the top view 110 and the cross-section view 160. It is appreciated that other forms of securing the plurality of boards together may be utilized and embodiments are not necessarily required to be bound together as described.

In the illustrated embodiment, the crane mat may include two lifting plates 140. Such plates may be disposed in a diagonal configuration (e.g. using two of the four illustrated plates 140) proximate to two corners to allow for balancing when lifted with a crane. Further, the plates may be disposed in the center of length 114 on opposing sides of length 112. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the crane mat may include more than two lifting plates 140. Including more than two lifting plates 140 may enable the crane mat to maintain a higher degree of balance, and/or maintain in a level orientation when lifted, which may simplify positioning of the crane mat in a desired location.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 2A and 2B, aspects of a lifting plate for a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In FIG. 2A, a plan view 210 of a lifting plate(s) is shown, and in FIG. 2B, a profile view 220 of a lifting plate(s) is shown. As illustrated in the plan view 210 of FIG. 2A, each of the lifting plates 140 may include a coupling portion 142 and a slotted opening 144. The coupling portion 142 may be configured to couple to a lifting tool (such as a hook, harness, cable and the like) during movement of the crane mat. For example, in an embodiment, a lifting harness may include two or more coupling members (e.g., hooks, etc.) that may be coupled to (e.g., by inserting at least a portion of the hooks though) the coupling portion of two or more of the lifting plates 140. It is appreciated that the size and orientation of coupling portion 142 may be configured according to the type of coupling device that may be used. Further, the size and orientation of slotted opening may be configured to accept any type of attachment means that is functional to attach the lifting plate to a board (such as board 120) in a manner that will allow the lifting plate to extend and recess from the top surface of a crane mat. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment means is a tie bolt 130 that is configured to extend through the lifting plate. In some embodiments, even when the tie bolt is extending through the plate, a nut, or other type of securing device, may be utilized to lock the plate to an edge of a board.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the lifting plate(s) 140 has a width 230, a height 232, and a thickness 234. In an embodiment, the width 230, the height 232, and the thickness 234 may be sized and dimensioned based on a total weight of the crane mat (e.g, so the lifting plates 140 can support the weight of the crane mat during movement/placement/positioning of the crane mat). Additionally or alternatively, the width 230, the height 232, and the thickness 234 may be sized and dimensioned based on a number of lifting plates 140 included in the crane mat (e.g., the dimensions of the lifting plates 140 may be thicker when fewer lifting plates 140 are used, and may be thinner when more lifting plates 140). In an embodiment, the lifting plates 140 may be evenly distributed on the crane mat (e.g., to provide equal weight distribution).

Referring back to FIGS. 1A-1C, the lifting plates 140 may be configurable into a recessed orientation and a non-recessed orientation. In an embodiment, the coupling portion of each lifting plate 140 may be recessed within the crane mat when in the recessed orientation, and the coupling portion of each lifting plate 140 may be exposed when in the non-recessed orientation. For example, in FIG. 2B, a perspective view 212 of a lifting plate in a recessed orientation is shown and in FIG. 2E, a profile view 222 of a lifting plate in a recessed orientation is shown. In an embodiment, the lifting plates 140 may be recessed within pockets formed in one or more of the plurality of boards 120 or formed between the plurality of boards 120. For example, in the perspective view 212 and the profile view 222, a pocket 240 is shown. The pocket 240 may define a cavity sized having dimensions larger than the lifting plate 140 in at least two dimensions. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2E, the pocket 240 may define a cavity having a width 242 that is wider than the width 230 of the lifting plate 140, and having a thickness 244 that is greater than the thickness 234 of the lifting plate 140. In an embodiment, a height of the pocket 240 may be substantially equal to the height 232 of the lifting plate 140, such that, when the lifting plate 140 is in the recessed orientation, the lifting plate 140 is substantially flush with a top surface of one or more of the plurality of boards 120. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the height of the cavity defined by the pocket 240 may be larger than the height 232 of the lifting plate 140, such that a top surface of the lifting plate 140 is recessed below a top surface of one or more of the plurality of boards 120.

In an embodiment, the pockets (e.g., the pocket 240) may include an open end and a closed end. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2E, the cavity defined by the pocket 240 may be bounded on the lower side by a portion of the board 120 into which the pocket 240 is formed, and may be open on a top surface, such that the cavity is open to a top surface of the crane mat, and is closed on a bottom surface of the crane mat. Closing off the bottom side of the pocket 240 may prevent debris (e.g., mud, dirt, etc.) from entering the pocket 240 from below, which may cause the lifting plate to be pressed up, becoming exposed (e.g., in the non-recessed configuration) to the top surface of the crane mat. For example, if the bottom surface of the pocket 240 was open, the weight of vehicles and equipment traveling across the top surface of the crane mat may cause dirt or mud to enter the pocket from below, and press the lifting plate 140 up, which may cause a portion of the lifting plate 140 to be exposed external to the crane mat. This might introduce a tripping hazard. By closing off the bottom surface of the pocket 240, and preventing debris from entering the pocket 240 from below, the tripping hazard may be eliminated. However, in an additional or alternative embodiment, the pocket 240 may include open ends at both the top and bottom. wherein the coupling portion of each lifting plate extends through the open end when in the non-recessed orientation.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, 2B and 2E, the lifting plates 140 may be adjustably secured within the pockets 240 by one or more tie bolts (e.g., one or more of the tie bolts 130 of FIG. 1C). In such an embodiment, the one or more tie bolts may extend through the pockets 240, and may be received at (or pass through) the slotted openings 144 of the lifting plates 140, securing the lifting plates 140 into the pockets 240, as illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2E. In an embodiment, the slotted openings 144 provide slideable adjustment of the lifting plates 140 from the recessed orientation to the non-recessed orientation.

For example, in FIG. 2C, a plan view 214 of a lifting plate(s) arranged in the non-recessed orientation is shown and in FIG. 2F, a profile view 224 of a lifting plate(s) arranged in the non-recessed orientation is shown. The lifting plates 140 may be oriented into the non-recessed orientation by sliding the lifting plates 140 up, as indicated by the arrows 250. As illustrated in the plan view 214 and the profile view 224, when oriented in the non-recessed orientation, the coupling portion 142 may be positioned above a top surface of the crane mat such that the coupling portion 142 may be coupled to a lifting tool (e.g., a hook on a lifting harness, etc.) to enable lifting of the crane mat (e.g., during movement, placement, repositioning, etc. of the crane mat). It is noted that, in FIGS. 2B and 2C, it can be seen that when in the recessed orientation, the tie bolt may be positioned at an upper region of the slotted opening 144, and may slide towards a lower region of the slotted opening 144 as the lifting plate is oriented to the non-recessed orientation. In the recessed orientation, lifting plate 140 may be configured so as to not extend to the bottom surface of board 120. Such a configuration may help reduce accidental extension of lifting plate 140 when a board is compressed or otherwise acted upon from the bottom surface. It also may assist in reducing the possibility of damage to the plate while the mat is in use. While in the non-recessed orientation, the coupling portion 142 enables movement of the crane mat to a desired position, and the slotted opening 144 provides for orienting the lifting plate 140 into the recessed orientation, such as when the crane mat is in the desired position, thereby eliminating tripping and other forms of hazards to persons traveling across a top surface of the crane mat, and provides for orienting the lifting plate 140 in the non-recessed orientation, such as if the crane mat needs to be moved, repositioned, etc. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a crane mat that eliminates tripping hazards present in presently available crane mats.

Referring back to FIGS. 1A-1C, each of the plurality of boards 120 includes a top surface 152 and a bottom surface 154. In an embodiment, the top surface 152 of each of the plurality of boards 120 may include a traction pattern. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the bottom surface 154 of each of the plurality of boards 120 may include a traction pattern. In yet another additional or alternative embodiment, both the top surface 152 and the bottom surface 154 may include a traction pattern. In an embodiment, the traction pattern of the top surface 152 and the traction pattern of the bottom surface 154 may be different traction patterns accommodating different types of traction needs (e.g. walking traction on the top surface and ground traction to prevent the mat from sliding on the bottom surface). In an additional or alternative embodiment, the traction pattern of the top surface 152 and the traction pattern of the bottom surface 154 may be the same traction pattern. In an embodiment, the traction pattern may include a pattern of grooves, bumps, scuffs, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the traction pattern may be embedded within the plurality of boards 120, such as through an etching process, a cutting process, a molding process, etc. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the traction pattern may be applied to the plurality of boards 120 after the crane mat is assembled. For example, strips of metal or another material may be applied across the top surface 152 and/or the bottom surface 154 of the crane mat. The traction pattern, when included by the top surface 152, may promote traction for vehicles, equipment, and persons traversing across the top surface 152 of the crane mat. When the bottom surface 154 includes a traction pattern, the traction pattern may assist in retaining the crane mat in a desired orientation, such as by reducing the likelihood that the crane mat moves in response to forces applied to the crane mat as vehicles and equipment cross the crane mat.

The various embodiments of the crane mat described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2F provide improved performance, safety, and traction when compared to presently available crane mats. For example, when the crane mat is formed from synthetic boards, the lifespan of the crane mat may be increased from six months to many years (e.g., 10 years or more). Further, by providing a traction pattern on the top surface 152, vehicles, equipment, and persons may obtain better traction, which reduces the likelihood that vehicles or equipment will slide when traveling across the crane mat, and the likelihood that persons will slip and fall when crossing the crane mat. Additionally, by providing a traction pattern on the bottom surface 154, the crane mat may be more easily maintained in a desired positioned when exposed to forces caused by vehicles and equipment traveling across the crane mat, which may otherwise cause the crane mat to shift or slide. This may also reduce wear and tear associated with such movements. Still further, by including the lifting plates 140 which may be oriented into the recessed or non-recessed orientations, risk of injury do to persons falling or tripping on the lifting plates may be reduced or eliminated. Thus, the crane mat of embodiments provides several improvements over presently available crane mats.

Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown as a view 300. In the view 300, lifting plates 140 are shown in the non-recessed orientation. As shown in the view 300, the coupling portions of the lifting plates 140 are exposed such that the coupling portions may be coupled to a lifting tool, such as hooks on a lifting harness or cables disposed through the coupling portions. In an embodiment, the tie bolts may be recessed within plurality of boards 120, such that the tie bolts to not extend beyond the width of the crane mat. This may reduce a likelihood that a person may trip while walking next to the crane mat. Additionally, this may enable multiple crane mats to be placed adjacent to each other, such as to form a road or large platform.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for forming a crane mat according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown as a method 400. At 410, the method 400 includes, providing a plurality of boards. In an embodiment, the plurality of boards may be the plurality of boards 120 of FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2F, and may include synthetic boards, wood boards, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, providing the plurality of boards may include positioning each board of the plurality of boards adjacent to another board of the plurality of boards along at least one longitudinal edge. In an embodiment, the method 400 may include providing a traction pattern on at least one of a top surface and a bottom surface of the plurality of boards. In an embodiment, the traction pattern of the top surface and the traction pattern of the bottom surface may be different traction patterns. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the traction pattern of the top surface and the traction pattern of the bottom surface may be the same traction pattern. In an embodiment, the traction pattern may include a pattern of grooves, bumps, scuffs, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the traction pattern may be embedded within the plurality of boards, such as through an etching process, a cutting process, a molding process, etc. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the traction pattern may be applied to the plurality of boards after the crane mat is assembled according to the method 400. For example, strips of metal or another material may be applied across the top surface and/or the bottom surface of the crane mat. At 420, the method 400 includes inserting a plurality of tie bolts through the plurality of boards. In an embodiment, the plurality of tie bolts may be the plurality of tie bolts 130 of FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2F and 3. The plurality of tie bolts may secure the plurality of boards together to form the crane mat.

At 430, the method 400 includes providing two or more lifting plates. In an embodiment, the lifting plates may be the lifting plates 140 of FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2F and 3. In an embodiment, each lifting plate may include a coupling portion (e.g., the coupling portion 142 of FIGS. 2A and 2D) configured to couple the lifting plate to a lifting tool during movement of the crane mat. The lifting plates may be configurable into a recessed orientation as described with reference to FIGS. 2B and 2E, and a non-recessed orientation as described with reference to FIGS. 2C and 2F and may be secured within a pocket of a board or between two boards disposed adjacent to each other such as, with tie bolts or other attachment means. In an embodiment, the coupling portion of each lifting plate may be recessed within the crane mat when the lifting plate is in the recessed orientation as described with reference to FIGS. 2B and 2E, and may be exposed when in the non-recessed orientation, as described with reference to FIGS. 2C and 2F. In an embodiment, the lifting plates may be recessed within pockets (e.g., the pockets 240 of FIG. 2B) formed in one or more of the plurality of boards, as described with reference to FIGS. 2A-2F. The pockets may include an open end and a closed end, and the coupling portion of each lifting plate may extend through the open end when in the non-recessed orientation. In an embodiment, the lifting plates, when recessed within the pockets, may be substantially flush with a top surface of one or more of the plurality of boards. The lifting plates may be adjustably secured within the pockets by one or more tie bolts of the plurality of tie bolts.

Crane mats formed using the method 400 may provide improved performance, safety, and traction when compared to presently available crane mats. For example, when the crane mat is formed from synthetic boards, the lifespan of the crane mat may be increased from six months to many years (e.g., 10 years or more). Further, by providing a traction pattern on the top surface, vehicles, equipment, and persons may obtain better traction, which reduces the likelihood that vehicles or equipment will slide when traveling across the crane mat, and the likelihood that persons will slip and fall when crossing the crane mat. Additionally, by providing a traction pattern on the bottom surface, the crane mat may be more easily maintained in a desired positioned when exposed to forces caused by vehicles and equipment traveling across the crane mat, which may otherwise cause the crane mat to shift or slide. Still further, by including the lifting plates which may be oriented into the recessed or non-recessed orientations, risk of injury do to persons falling or tripping on the lifting plates may be reduced or eliminated. Thus, crane mats form using the method 400 of embodiments may provide several improvements over presently available crane mats.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the present disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. 

1. A crane mat comprising: a plurality of boards, wherein each board of the plurality of boards is positioned adjacent to another board of the plurality of boards along at least one longitudinal edge; a plurality of tie bolts inserted through the plurality of boards, wherein the plurality of tie bolts secure the plurality of boards together; and two lifting plates, each lifting plate including a coupling portion configured to couple to a lifting tool during movement of the crane mat, wherein the two lifting plates are configurable into a recessed orientation and a non-recessed orientation, wherein the coupling portion of each lifting plate is recessed within the crane mat in the recessed orientation, and wherein the coupling portion of each lifting plate is exposed when in the non-recessed orientation.
 2. The crane mat of claim 1, wherein the two lifting plates are recessed within pockets formed in one or more of the plurality of boards.
 3. The crane mat of claim 2, wherein the pockets are include an open end and a closed end, wherein the coupling portion of each lifting plate extends through the open end when in the non-recessed orientation.
 4. The crane mat of claim 2, wherein the lifting plates, when recessed within the pockets, are substantially flush with a top surface of one or more of the plurality of boards.
 5. The crane mat of claim 2, wherein the two lifting plates are adjustably secured within the pockets by one or more tie bolts of the plurality of tie bolts.
 6. The crane mat of claim 5, wherein the one or more tie bolts extend through the pockets.
 7. The crane mat of claim 5, wherein each of the lifting plates includes a slotted opening configured to receive a tie bolt to secure the lifting plates within the pockets, and wherein the slotted openings provide slideable adjustment of the lifting plates from the recessed orientation to the non-recessed orientation.
 8. The crane mat of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional lifting plates.
 9. The crane mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of boards include a top surface and a bottom surface.
 10. The crane mat of claim 9, wherein the top surface of each of the plurality of boards includes a traction pattern, the traction pattern including a pattern of grooves, bumps, scuffs, or a combination thereof.
 11. The crane mat of claim 9, wherein the bottom surface of each of the plurality of boards includes a traction pattern, the traction pattern including a pattern of grooves, bumps, scuffs, or a combination thereof.
 12. The crane mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of boards are synthetic boards.
 13. The crane mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of boards are wood boards.
 14. A method for forming a crane mat comprising: providing a plurality of boards, wherein each board of the plurality of boards is positioned adjacent to another board of the plurality of boards along at least one longitudinal edge; inserting a plurality of tie bolts through the plurality of boards, wherein the plurality of tie bolts secure the plurality of boards together to form the crane mat; and providing two lifting plates, each lifting plate including a coupling portion configured to couple to a lifting tool during movement of the crane mat, wherein the two lifting plates are configurable into a recessed orientation and a non-recessed orientation, wherein the coupling portion of each lifting plate is recessed within the crane mat in the recessed orientation, and wherein the coupling portion of each lifting plate is exposed when in the non-recessed orientation.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the two lifting plates are recessed within pockets formed in one or more of the plurality of boards.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pockets are include an open end and a closed end, wherein the coupling portion of each lifting plate extends through the open end when in the non-recessed orientation.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the lifting plates, when recessed within the pockets, are substantially flush with a top surface of one or more of the plurality of boards.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the two lifting plates are adjustably secured within the pockets by one or more tie bolts of the plurality of tie bolts.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of boards include a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of each of the plurality of boards includes a traction pattern, the traction pattern including a pattern of grooves, bumps, scuffs, or a combination thereof
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of boards include synthetic boards, wood boards, or a combination thereof. 